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January 2012
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 | From Sarah Campbell |
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"Men of Voula's" Small Group
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Lent--Invite a Friend.
Many of the things we do in life are because of invitations from someone we know. Personal invitations are powerful and show others you value them and want to be in relationship with them.
- Last Lent, one family invited a few friends and their kids to start a family small group. These friends invited their friends and a big group enjoyed dinners and Bible study together during Lent. They continue to meet today.
- A facilitator sent me a note saying he reached out to his new neighbors by inviting them to get involved with UPC's Habitat projects. Just before Christmas, his neighbor said, "Which Christmas Eve service are you going to? We're going to the 3 o'clock!" He had no idea they'd begun attending here.
- Another small group leader told me she opened their group online for Lent and the people who joined brought refreshing new life to their longtime group.
An invitation started it all. I invite you to think of the people in your life. Who could you invite to share friendship and hope during Lent in a small group? They don't have to attend UPC. We're here to help you start a new group or welcome new people. Discover what God can do.
Blessings,
Sarah
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| Upcoming Events |
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Jan 22 | Lent Facilitator and Love Your Neighborhood, and New Facilitator Training
Geneva A, lunch included, no fee
- 11:30am-12:30pm: For all facilitators. Learn about this year's sermon series and study, tips from fellow facilitators and news from Ken Kierstead about Love Your Neighborhood services project after Easter.
- 12:30am-1pm: For facilitators of new groups. Proven tips to help you get your group off to a good start.
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Feb 5, 12, 19 | Lent Small Group Signups and Study Guide Pickup
Larson Hall, 9am-1pm, 6-7pm
- Take a shift in Larson helping people find a group using the online group finder. Training Sunday, January 29. Contact Sarah, 206.524.7301 x205.
- Get help updating your group listing, roster and group status at one of the volunteer stations. We can help you post a new group, too.
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Feb 12 | Lent Facilitators, Love Your Neighborhood, and New Facilitator Training
Geneva A, lunch included, no fee. Replay of January 22 orientation, above.
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Feb 22-Apr 7 | Lent All-Church Small Groups
With small group celebrations after Easter.
Sermon Series and Study: "A Case for Hope," Romans 5-8.
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| Sermon Study Guides and Resources |
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Sermon Study Guides and Resources
Jumpstart: Meeting Jesus in the Life of Peter: Jan 15-Feb 19
Study guides, series outline, and recorded sermons here.
- Jan 15, Put Out Into the Deep... George Hinman, Luke 5:1-11
- Jan 22, Come... George Hinman, Matthew 14:22-33
- Jan 29, What Do You Say... Andi Saccoccio, Matthew 16:13-23
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| Ideas For Serving With Your Group |
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Ideas for Serving With Your Group
What do you see?
Sometimes groups want to serve others but don't know where to start. One of our small groups in Bellevue began with something really simple. Four years ago, a woman in their group who works at the VA Hospital suggested they send Christmas cards to veterans who would be spending the holidays in the hospital.
The group liked the idea and added phone cards, small vouchers for a treat at the hospital canteen, or Starbucks cards as a "thanks for your service" gift. One veteran said it was the only Christmas card he received. When a social worker for the oncology unit received cards this year to give to patients in his unit, he thanked the group saying, "You have no idea what this will mean to these veterans."
Who do you see at work, at church, in your family, or in your neighborhood who could use a little help or encouragement? What could you do? Talk it over together.
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